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Southeastern Timothy Society Members Leave a Legacy of Faithfulness for Future Generations

09/12/2013

The Financial Development Office at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) hosted the Second Annual Timothy Society Banquet. Approximately 45 members and guests of the society attended the event held in the Hall of Presidents on Southeastern’s campus on Sept. 10 from 6-8 p.m. The Timothy Society is comprised of men and women who leave legacy gifts designated specifically for the equipping of students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission.

Art Rainer, vice president for institutional advancement at Southeastern, introduced the first guest speaker, Dr. M.O. Owens Jr. He spoke about Owens’s love for Jesus and that even at the age of 100, he wears his age well and is still bearing fruit.

Owens spoke on the topic of Christian giving. “All of us want to get the most out of life. … We want to know the secret of enjoying life to the fullest. … From God’s Word … comes the full prescription for the fullness of life. … To possess is to give,” said Owens.

Owens contrasted the world’s viewpoint of giving. “We measure enjoyment by what we feel. … That’s the world out there.”

“Today, I want us to think about the blessings that come from giving cheerfully, generously and fully. … To possess is to give.” Owens shared the importance of the giving of ourselves, including our personality, intelligence and possessions. … “We have the opportunity to be partners with God, who has the greatest enterprise on the face of the world, the Kingdom of God.

“God loves a cheerful giver, and that’s exactly what we are about. … We are able to give because God has given us so much already. … Jesus declares it is a far greater blessing to give than receive,” said Owens.

Owens focused on the joy that comes from trusting God and giving sacrificially. “There are no regrets if you give out of love and out of a desire to serve and help.”

A former pastor, Owens, recalled his experiences with giving from the perspective of church leadership and challenged others to make investments that are everlasting. “To be a partner with God is far better than for God to be a partner with us. … When we become a partner with God, there is a whole kingdom out there.

“A truly humble person expects very little and receives a lot,” said Owens. “Gratitude is a continual attitude of a person who depends entirely on God. … The most beautiful lives are those that are marked by generous giving of self.”

Daniel Palmer, the director of financial development at Southeastern, followed Owens’s talk by highlighting the connection between joy, giving and faith. He referenced 2 Timothy 1:5 and the opportunity to invest faithfully in the mission of God.

Tim and Candi Clemons, who are currently studying at Southeastern to become International Mission Board (IMB) career missionaries, spoke as well. The Clemons thanked the donors for their support in receiving a world-class theological education as they prepare to plant a church in Quebec, Canada.

Dr. Danny Akin, president of Southeastern, offered concluding remarks to the intimate evening. “Why is your investment at Southeastern a good investment?” said Akin. He highlighted the characteristics of SEBTS as a happy campus, with the Spirit of the Lord present. Akin added that Southeastern is a seminary with the right convictions, the right commission as the Great Commission and the right vision with the mission to serve the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention.

“I am thrilled to be a part of this school … and the Timothy Society. We believe from the depths of our soul what Southeastern stands for and what Southeastern is trying to do,” said Akin.

“Help us to lay a great foundation for the future so that whoever follows in our footsteps will inherit an institution that is really strong, vibrant and healthy to carry on the mission and vision of this institution until our Lord Jesus comes again.”

To learn more about joining the Timothy Society or giving to Southeastern, please contact Daniel Palmer, director of financial development at Southeastern, at (919) 761–2352 or dpalmer@sebts.edu.

The mission of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by equipping students to serve the church and fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). Southeastern is an institution of higher learning and a Cooperate Program ministry of the Southern Baptist Convention.